Jayhawker

[ jey-haw-ker ]

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Kansas (used as a nickname).
2. (sometimes lowercase) a plundering marauder, especially one of the antislavery guerrillas in Kansas, Missouri, and other border states before and during the Civil War.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jayhawker¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

We hurried on as rapidly as possible so as to get into the Jayhawker's beaten trail which would be a little easier to follow.

From Project Gutenberg

The Jayhawker's train was made up of men from many states, but seemed well united and was as complete as when they first started.

From Project Gutenberg

The Jayhawker crowd seemed to think they could go anywhere and no difficulty could happen which they couldn't overcome.

From Project Gutenberg

Semi hastily retreated behind Mr. Colon, thinking it might be a Jayhawker, while the professor adjusted his glasses.

From Project Gutenberg

The way he talks of it, the term might have been a colloquial term applied to a jayhawker or a patroller.

From Project Gutenberg